Edo govt partners company to assemble light aircrafts, train pilots

By Jethro Ibileke

Edo State Government has said it will collaborate with a South African aviation company, Donovan Lombard, to commence assemblage of light aircrafts in Benin City.

The State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, disclosed this on Thursday in Benin, at a ceremony held at the Benin Airport to flag off the collaboration on the assembling, training of Edo citizens as mechanics, pilots and others.

He said: “This is a new development for Edo people. I just flew the aircraft and it was very comfortable. When I was campaigning, I promised to build Edo State. This is the beginning of the development.

“This aviation company is coming to the State to build an assembly plant where our children will learn. This is a huge investment in Edo State, as my administration will support the organization to ensure that our people benefit from this gesture.

“I am happy because this is happening during my time. Good things attract good things. I am a good person, so I will certainly attract good things.

“My administration will support the company in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. We will support them and allow them to train our children and we will foot the bill.

“We will reduce unemployment and create wealth in Edo State, as the presence of the company is a welcome development. The three Senatorial Districts in the State will benefit from this great gesture.”

Earlier, the CEO of Donovan Lombard, Ehis Odia, said the partnership became necessary because Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated vision, foresight and forward movement for Edo State in the area of aviation.

He said: “We have a rich history of aviation in Edo State and we have been working for many years to reactivate aviation in Edo State.

“The Company will start assembling light aircrafts here in Benin City, Edo State. We will build a factory here in this airport and start assemblage. We will begin to work with secondary and technical school students to train aircraft mechanics.

“We have been dealing with University students, but nobody is investing in primary schools as general aviation starts here in primary schools.

“Edo State will be the first State in Nigeria where aircraft will be assembled. Training will include that of pilots and also encourage aero-clubs in schools.

“We want to rewrite the narrative and remove the thoughts that aviation is for the rich, but rather its transportation and we want to make it more effective in Edo State.”